WorkplaceNL began covering psychological injuries caused by workplace harassment on June 1, 2026, making Newfoundland and Labrador workers eligible for compensation benefits when harassment leads to a diagnosed mental health condition.
Workers diagnosed with a psychological injury linked to workplace harassment may now receive wage-loss benefits, health care benefits, and return-to-work services through the workers’ compensation system. The diagnosis must come from a physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
“A psychologically safe workplace is important to the well-being of workers and workplaces,” said Elizabeth Lane, chief executive officer of WorkplaceNL. “This change represents an important step that strengthens support for workers experiencing psychological injury due to workplace harassment and helps raise awareness of the significance of respectful, healthy work environments.”
What counts as workplace harassment
Under WorkplaceNL’s policy, workplace harassment includes aggressive, intimidating, or discriminatory conduct. It can involve repeated behaviour or a single serious event.
WorkplaceNL will confirm that harassment occurred in the workplace before approving a claim. The organization may draw on the findings of an outside investigation to make that determination.
How the policy fits existing coverage
The change is an amendment to Policy EN-18, which governs psychological injuries under the workers’ compensation system. WorkplaceNL already provided presumptive coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and coverage for certain psychological injuries resulting from traumatic events.
The new amendment broadens that coverage to include harassment-related psychological harm.
